The food packaging industry is rapidly shifting away from plastic layers and complex multi-material structures. EU PPWR regulations, consumer expectations and sustainability goals are pushing brands toward packaging that is recyclable, monomaterial and plastic-free.
One of the strongest directions is fibre-designed monomaterial food packaging – paper-based structures where barrier performance is achieved through cellulose-based or other bio-based coatings instead of plastic.
At the same time, the industry is moving further: bio-based, compostable monomaterials made from wood residues. This is exactly what Fibenol is developing in the Wood4Plastic project
Why monomaterial is the future
Traditional multi-layer packaging (paper + plastic + aluminium) does not fit modern recycling systems. Monomaterial packaging:
simplifies sorting
improves recycling quality
reduces fossil-based footprint
aligns with PPWR requirements
A 100% fibre-based structure can enter the paper recycling stream without separation.
Cellulose-based barriers – plastic-free protection
New bio-based barrier technologies now offer performance previously achievable only with plastics:
grease and oil resistance
moisture protection
oxygen and air barrier
mineral oil barrier
This enables fully plastic-free packaging even for demanding food-service applications.
Next level: bioplastics from wood residues (Fibenol)
The Wood4Plastic project introduces two major innovations that will shape the future of food packaging
1) Second-generation (2G) wood sugars
Most bioplastics today rely on food-based sugars. Fibenol produces 2G sugars from hardwood residues, enabling renewable 1,4-BDO used in compostable bioplastics.
2) Lignin as a functional additive
Lignin improves PLA-based bioplastics by enhancing:
strength
UV resistance
carbon footprint
PLA–lignin blends may soon replace selected fossil-based plastics.
Who benefits from these solutions?
restaurants and cafés
takeaway and delivery services
catering companies
brands aiming to reduce plastic waste
businesses preparing for PPWR compliance
Why this trend is accelerating
Regulations are tightening
Consumers prefer plastic-free packaging
Brands want monomaterial solutions
New technologies (cellulose coatings, 2G sugars, lignin) finally deliver the needed performance
Plastrum’s role in this transitione
Plastrum supports companies in moving toward plastic-free packaging step by step:
monomaterial paper packaging
custom-printed solutions
PPWR compliance guidance
product development tailored to your needs
If you want to explore plastic-free alternatives or test which packaging works best for your product, get in touch – we help you choose solutions that perform in real-world conditions.
